The War in Ukraine | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing

By Kent Kramer

03/08/2022

There’s likely no more important news in the world right now than what is happening in Ukraine as Russia invades their smaller neighbor. Economic impacts are being felt across the globe and there is certainly a humanitarian crisis developing in Europe. Let’s take a look at the impact the Ukraine/Russia crisis has on the US and global economy.

A Look Under the Hood of a Bond Fund | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Matt Moklestad

02/22/2022

A lot of investors may be wondering how rising interest rates might be impacting their investments, so today, we're going to talk about bond funds -- how they operate, some of the details, and see how they're responding to this environment.

Meta Does Not Equal Value | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Kent Kramer

02/07/2022

The headlines last week included “Faceplant”, and “Metaflop” following Meta’s disappointing earnings and new users numbers. As interesting as the metaverse may be, it turns out investors still want real world results when it comes to their investments.

Happy New Year? | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

01/25/2022

Market returns for the first three weeks of 2022 have not been full of happy reports. US stocks, especially some of the biggest names and winners of 2020 and 2021 have fallen into what is called “correction” territory. Is inflation and the concern with rising interest rates the whole story?

Webinar: Financial Forecasts for 2022: When to React. When to Relax.

Category: Foster Group

By Kent Kramer

01/20/2022

Welcome to the noisiest time of the year, with pundits predicting boom or bust for your portfolio in 2022. In the webinar, you'll learn about: The risk of acting on predictions, the importance of a long-term investment plan, and predictions that never panned out.

New Year – Rates are Rising | Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

01/10/2022

Welcome to 2022 where the news seem to focus, again, on rising rates –for COVID infections due to Omicron, inflation, and interest rates. The markets seem to be most concerned about interest rates. This week Kent Kramer looks at why that might be the case and what may be in store for interest rates in 2022.

The Joy, Excitement, and Relief of Life

Category: Foster Group

By Foster Group

01/05/2022

At Foster Group, we know there are more important things than money. There's the joy of providing a lovely home for your family. The excitement of an early retirement. The relief knowing that an unexpected emergency won't ruin your finances. At Foster Group, we're invested in the things that make life, life. And how to get there.

If You Had a Dollar for Every Financial Advisor that Just Wanted Your Money

Category: Foster Group

By Foster Group

01/05/2022

If you had a dollar for every financial advisor that just wanted your money - your financial future would already be secure. At Foster Group, our team is different. One whose focus is on you and your dreams. Together, we'll create a strategy that helps get you there - wherever 'there' is for you.

Financial Advice Is Useless – Without Empathy

Category: Foster Group

By Foster Group

01/05/2022

Financial advice is useless - without empathy. At Foster Group, we want to hear your story. Your goals. Your worries about the future. Only then can we help you feel confident about all aspects of your financial life.

April 12, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Advance with Science

By Kent Kramer

04/12/2021

One of my favorite comedians has always been Steve Martin. One of his funnier routines was “let’s get small.” Lately small company stocks have been outperforming their large company counterparts and it’s hard not to notice. What is a small company and why the outperformance recently?

March 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Advance with Science

By Kent Kramer

03/22/2021

Many indicators say the US and global economy are growing at rates faster than expected. Most of this is welcome news given the past 12 months. But is there a danger the economy could overheat? Inflation continues to be on the minds of some, should it be on yours as well?

March 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Factors / Premiums » Duration / Term (Fixed Income)

By Matt Moklestad

03/08/2021

In 2020 interest rates hit an all-time low, and now interest rates are on the move again. It seems like investors are taking notice. This week, Matt Moklestad looks at interest rates, bonds, and inflation expectations.

February 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Avoid Predictable Disappointments

By Kent Kramer

02/22/2021

Every week it seems there is a new story about which investment, which “trade”, is making amazing money. Each new story brings a sense of urgency, act quickly before it’s too late. You can’t afford to miss out on this one. There are at least 3 important risks investors should pay attention to, some are urgent, some are important, some are both, some are neither.

February 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

02/08/2021

After 3 weeks of GameStop stories, it seems like the game may be stopping or at least slowing down. The question remaining is who made money and is the market any worse for wear when the dust settles.

What Can You Do Before the 2021 Tax Deadline?

Category: Financial Planning » Education Planning » 529 Plans

By Marcus Iwig

02/01/2021

Even though the 2020 calendar year ended, it doesn't mean the tax year has completely ended. There are a handful of items to consider before the April, 15th tax filing deadline.

January 29, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

01/29/2021

What game is being played between Reddit and Wall Street? This week we explore what's been going on with GameStop stock and how short selling works.

January 25, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

01/25/2021

Four years ago, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States and small company stocks went up over 20% in three months post-election. In the three months since Joe Biden was elected President of the United States, small company stocks are up over 30%. Do small company stock investors just like new Presidents?

January 11, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Accept Uncertainty

By Kent Kramer

01/11/2021

2020 had some very real rollercoaster moments – the question for markets and the economy is whether there is any reason to think they won’t hold up during and after our latest ride?

December 21st, 2020 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Alternative Investments

By Kent Kramer

12/21/2020

1:07 - In the News: Vaccines, Employment, and Markets
4:09 – Bitcoin and Tesla Market Performance
5:00 – Bitcoin: What is it?
9:08 – Bitcoin Risks

December 7th, 2020 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Foster Group Investment Principles » Advance with Science

By Kent Kramer

12/07/2020

1:10 - In the News: COVID-19 Surges, Vaccines, and Employment
3:32 – November Market Review
4:14 – Equity Factors
4:41 – Macroeconomic Factors Overview
5:00 – Style Factors Overview
7:07 – Style Factors in the Market

November 23, 2020 Financial Perspectives

Category: Investing » Equity / Stocks

By Kent Kramer

11/23/2020

1:13 - In the News: COVID-19 Cases, Employment Recovery
2:36 – Elections through Inaugurations
3:15 – Equity Factors: Comparison of Various Stock Indexes
5:24 – Expectations: Thinking Back to March 23, 2020